Computer Software in Plain English

Duration: 3 minutes and 33 seconds

Country: United States

Language: English

License: CC - Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives

Genre: Instructional

Producer: Common Craft, LLC

Director: Lee LeFever

Views: 14,626 (4,666 embedded)

Posted by: leelefever on Mar 24, 2009

A short explanation of how operating systems and programs work together to make computers useful and customizable.

Report this video as offensive

Translate and Transcribe

Sign In/Register for dotSUB to translate this video.

Share

Embed Video
Embed normal player
Embed a smaller player
Advanced Embedding Options
Embedding Options

Size:

Language:

Embed Code
Embed transcript
Embed transcript in:
Invite a user to dotSUB

Your invitation to join dotSUB was successful

There was an error inviting that user to dotSUB

Video Transcription

Show in new window

First, a quick message from Common Craft.
This video comes in versions designed for use in training and education.
Find them at CommonCraft.com.
It's easy to think of computers as just machinery -
buttons, screens and parts that work together.
But the magic of computers
comes from something that makes them unique to you.
This is Computer Software in Plain English.
The problem with computers
is that most of us don’t speak their language.
We need a translator,
something that can understand our needs
and put the computer to work for us.
The translator is called software
and it makes computers useful.
Look at it this way.
Like a typewriter,
a computer without software is just a lifeless machine.
By adding software,
the computer becomes more alive,
easy to use,
and built for you.
Most computers have two basic kinds:
The operating system and software programs.
If you’ve ever used a computer,
you’ve used an operating system.
From saving files,
to using a mouse or fixing problems,
the operating system covers the basics.
Operating systems come with all new computers
and do a lot of same things.
You’ve seen them called
Windows, Mac and Linux.
But the operating system is only part of what we need.
To make them personalized and more useful,
we can add software programs.
For example,
if you need to edit a photo
you can add a software program
that is built for that purpose.
If you need to design a house,
you can add a software program
that lets you see the house from all sides.
By adding and removing software programs,
you can make the computer fit
with exactly what you want to do.
And adding most software programs is easy.
You can get them from a computer store
or download them from the Internet.
No computer nerds required.
Once a program is on your computer,
opening it is as easy as clicking an icon.
But what is a software program?
What’s really happening when you open one?
Think about it this way.
Computers are really good at following instructions.
And a software program
is essentially a set of instructions
that tells the computer exactly what to do.
When you open a program,
the computer goes to work,
completing the instructions
until the program is ready for you to use.
The ability to add and remove software programs
means that everyone’s computer
can be different and unique to them.
So, to review.
We’ve talked about operating systems
that take care of the basics,
and software programs that make computers personalized.
It’s this combination that makes computers so useful.
But it’s not limited to computers on your desk.
Consider your cell phone.
Just like a computer without software,
it’s a lifeless machine that doesn’t speak our language.
Thankfully, cell phones have software
that bring them to life.
The same thing is true for many cameras,
music players, and even our cars.
Every day we rely on software
to bring machines to life
and make them personalized and useful.
The next time you use a computer or cell phone,
think about software’s role
in translating your needs
into instructions that put the machine to work for you.
I’m Lee LeFever of Common Craft,
and this has been Computer Software in Plain English.
Do you need this for work?
Find presentation-quality, unbranded versions
of all Common Craft videos
at CommonCraft.com.

Computer Software in Plain English

Translate and Transcribe

Share

Video Transcription

Other videos from leelefever